Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Dies at 71

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, the charismatic professional wrestler who became a global pop culture phenomenon, died Thursday, July 24, 2025. He was 71.

Hogan suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, and was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital, according to a statement from his family. The exact cause of death is under investigation, pending an autopsy.

Hogan was a cornerstone of professional wrestling’s rise to mainstream prominence in the 1980s. Born Aug. 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, he began wrestling in 1977 but skyrocketed to fame after joining the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in 1983.

His signature red-and-yellow gear, handlebar mustache, and catchphrase, “Whatcha gonna do, when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” made him a household name.He headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events, including the landmark WrestleMania III in 1987, where he body-slammed Andre the Giant before a record 93,173 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome.

The moment remains one of wrestling’s most iconic. “Hogan was the face of wrestling’s golden era,” said wrestling historian Dave Meltzer. “His impact on the industry’s global reach is unmatched.”In the 1990s, Hogan reinvented himself as the villainous “Hollywood” Hogan, leading the New World Order in World Championship Wrestling.

The move helped WCW surpass WWE in television ratings for 83 consecutive weeks.Beyond wrestling, Hogan appeared in films like “Rocky III” (1982) as Thunderlips and starred in the reality series “Hogan Knows Best” (2005-2007).

His larger-than-life persona made him a frequent guest on talk shows and a staple in pop culture.Hogan’s later years were marred by controversy, including a 2015 scandal involving leaked recordings with racist remarks, leading to his temporary ban from WWE.

He was reinstated in 2018 and remained a polarizing figure.He is survived by his wife, Jennifer McDaniel; daughter, Brooke Hogan; and son, Nick Hogan. Funeral arrangements are pending.